Aerospace & Defense Proposal Manager with Security Clearance

Aerospace & Defense Proposal Manager Location: Huntsville, AL Who We Are SAS is an aerospace and defense company specializing in engineering, hardware, products, and mission-critical communication systems to meet customer needs during the life cycle of a program or project. The SAS team provides engineering services, counter-hypersonic missile defense, mission-critical communications and technology solutions, and precision machining to defense, intelligence, and space customers. Our clients include NASA, DoD, and commercial space providers. As a lifecycle company, we have established dedicated teams to meet customer needs at any stage in the lifecycle of a program or project. Whether it is R&D, proposal support, systems engineering, digital engineering, or the manufacturing and delivery of hardware, SAS is the go-to company for engineering and hardware in the space industry. Your Role Special Aerospace Services (SAS) is seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Proposal Manager to lead and manage the proposal development process for strategic opportunities in the aerospace and defense sector. This individual will be responsible for managing proposal processes, leading proposal and white paper development for military, civil, and commercial customers, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, compliant, and compelling proposals that align with customer requirements and position SAS effectively for contract awards. The ideal candidate will possess strong project management skills, exceptional attention to detail, and a thorough understanding of the defense contracting process. Primary responsibilities include:
Lead the entire proposal development lifecycle, including planning, coordinating, and submitting responses to Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Information (RFIs), etc.
Manage proposal teams, including writers, editors, graphic designers, subject matter experts, project leaders, finance and contracts contributors, etc.
Manage proposal documents to ensure clarity, accuracy, consistency, and adherence to SAS standards and industry best practices and compliance with customer requirements
Facilitate proposal strategy sessions and reviews
Collaborate with capture managers to align proposals with win strategies
Manage proposal budgets and resources
Conduct post-submission reviews and lessons-learned sessions
Continuously improve corporate proposal processes and tools
Create presentations of corporate and solicitation-specific capabilities for customer and team meetings and industry events
The expected travel for this position is less than 10% Basic Qualifications:
B.S. degree in a relevant field plus at least five (5) years of experience in proposal management for aerospace and defense customers
Track record of creating winning proposals for aerospace and defense customers
Expert knowledge of the U.S. Government's competitive acquisition process, including FAR/DFARS regulations
Expert knowledge of the "Shipley process" or similar proposal processes and best practices
Exceptional general writing, editing, and communication skills
Expertise in technical writing, technical editing, and proposal document publishing
Experience using state-of-the-art tools-including Artificial Intelligence (AI)-to maximize productivity, quality of proposal output, and efficiency of the team
Strong collaboration, coordination, and project management skills
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
Proficiency in proposal management tools and Microsoft Office applications
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance
Preferred Qualifications:
15+ years of experience in proposal management for aerospace and defense customers
Experience managing proposals with many internal and external (i.e., teammate) participants for large, complex programs with government customers
Experience using proposal automation tools
Experience creating excellent proposal graphics (using AI tools or otherwise)
Proposal management professional certification (e.g., APMP)
Lean Six Sigma or other process improvement certifications
Current and active Secret clearance or above Benefits:
A comprehensive package that supports not just the individual but also their family. This includes: a robust bonus structure, unlimited PTO, competitive health coverage, 401K match, fitness reimbursements, Pet Insurance, and our Good Grades Program to support your children's educational success.
Corporate Giving & Volunteer Programs: A firm commitment to community involvement, with ample opportunities for our team members to lead and participate in volunteer initiatives. Professional Growth: Lead critical projects and drive innovation at the forefront of the aerospace sector within the SAS Platform. How You Will Be Rewarded SAS takes a total rewards approach to compensation, offering incentives and benefits far beyond base salary. Compensation depends on the candidate's work experience, education/training, and related skills. Background checks and a drug screen will be required prior to any hire. Special Aerospace Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It prohibits discrimination, retaliation, or any type of harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, citizenship, immigration status, or any other legally protected status in employment, including in hiring, firing, and recruiting decisions. All applicants must be authorized to work lawfully in the United States for positions at SAS. There may be limited circumstances in which a law, regulation, executive order, or government contract would require certain citizenship; only in those limited circumstances would SAS require certain citizenship status to comply with the relevant law, regulation, executive order, or government contract applicable to that position. For all other positions, SAS does not consider an applicant's citizenship but only requires that the applicant be authorized to work lawfully in the United States. If a position is one that falls under export control laws and regulations requiring authorization from the U.S. government to access export-controlled items, any hiring is contingent on the applicant passing the export compliance assessment, which is separate from the I-9 process, for that specific position. Elevate your career by joining the SAS Platform, a leader in aerospace innovation.